Further Easing of Temporary Measures Effective March 14, 2022

The Ministry of Long-Term Care continues with the easing of the temporary measures that were put in place to reduce the impact of the Omicron wave on Long-term care residents. Consistent with their shared goal to strike an appropriate balance between the risk of COVID-19 and overall resident quality of life and health and wellbeing. The following changes are being made effective March 14, 2022:

• All general visitors, including children under the age of five (5), can resume visits. General visitors, with the exception of children under the age of five (5), will need to follow the vaccination policy of the individual long-term care home.
• Limits on outdoor visits will be lifted and homes can return to their regular practices on the use of available outdoor spaces.
• The limit on indoor visits will increase to four (4) general visitors and/or caregivers per resident at a time, as previously communicated.
• All residents will be able to go on overnight absences.
• Testing of residents returning from a day or overnight absences at established intervals will continue until further notice, to identify as early as possible any individual who may become infected with COVID-19 in order to reduce transmission in the home.
• Cohorting will no longer be required for social activities although this practice must be maintained for dining.
• Social group activities can be increased in size (i.e. more than 10) while larger social group activities, where potential crowding can occur, should continue to be avoided, and IPAC measures should continue to be followed by staff, residents, and visitors to promote safety and wellbeing (e.g., masking, distancing, good ventilation, etc. )
• Vaccinated visitors will be able to assist their loved one in the dining room or to an activity, but are unable to eat or drink with the resident at this time.